Descendants of a Littleport couple who emigrated to America at the turn of the 20th century held their 99th annual reunion in New York.

Now the family of John Thomas and Elizabeth Ward Washington are busy planning for next year’s 100th reunion on July 8 2017.

John and Elizabeth lived in Millpit Furlong, Littleport before emigrating with 12 of their 13 children around the turn of the 19th/20th century.

Eighty of their descendants gathered earlier this month for the celebration at Sheridan, New York. They enjoyed a ‘pot luck’ dinner before reviewing plans for next year’s big anniversary get together.

Bruce Washington said: “All the members are excited about the upcoming event and hope to have a record turnout. Any members of the Washington, or Ward families are cordially invited to attend. By posting in the family Facebook account, “The Washingtons of Dunkirk”, interested people can get information about the event.”